Pastor Admits Guilt in Large-Scale Fraud Scheme
A member of the clergy has acknowledged his role in a series of financial crimes that left multiple victims and commercial establishments out of pocket by more than $300,000.
Gavin Otto accepted responsibility for all 19 criminal charges brought against him during a court appearance this Monday. His sentencing hearing is set for November 7.
The charges against Otto include 13 counts related to obtaining money through false pretences and six counts involving fraudulent conversion. The crimes took place over a 20-month period spanning February 2021 through October 2022.
Several of the fraudulent conversion allegations involve Otto accepting payment for construction materials and shipping containers that customers never received.
Otto also had a practice of writing cheques without adequate funds to support them.
Multiple service stations accepted cheques from Otto’s personal account in exchange for cash, only to have every one rejected due to insufficient funds.
Police executed a search warrant at Otto’s residence in October 2022 as part of their investigation. Officers reported that Otto attempted to flee the scene by climbing over a fence. He was subsequently detained, and investigators recovered numerous receipts and cheque stubs from inside the property.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/08/pastor-admits-guilt-in-large-scale-fraud-scheme. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Gaston Browne Takes Commonwealth Chair as Samoa Hands Over Leadership
A ceremonial presentation marks the transfer of the Chair-in-Office role to Antigua and Barbuda.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
King Charles Expresses Profound Sorrow Over Transatlantic Slavery
Commonwealth head calls for partnerships that address historic wrongs through education, jobs and resilience.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Browne Announces More Than $1.5 Billion in Commonwealth Funding Commitments
Prime Minister says nature and health initiatives demonstrate CHOGM’s potential to deliver tangible benefits.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Family Appeals for Public Help to Locate Missing 90-Year-Old Ackly Roberts
Roberts was last seen at his residence in Willikies on November 2, after a family member reportedly dropped off his breakfast at approximately 7:30 a.m.
By Cory Wayland
Comments (13)
Child of God October 8, 2025, 12:49 PM
Jah T October 8, 2025, 2:21 PM
Justice October 8, 2025, 12:51 PM
Juju Bee October 8, 2025, 1:26 PM
Kianna October 8, 2025, 2:30 PM
Ben Simmons October 8, 2025, 2:54 PM
unruly one October 8, 2025, 4:54 PM
D Vaughn October 8, 2025, 5:39 PM
Faithful National October 8, 2025, 7:29 PM
Informed citizen October 8, 2025, 8:59 PM
Lena October 9, 2025, 12:09 AM
Maki October 9, 2025, 11:26 AM
Anonymous October 10, 2025, 4:06 PM